Effectiveness of traineeships and apprenticeships for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population

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Indigenous young people in Australia are much more likely to be neither studying nor participating in paid employment than their non-Indigenous peers. However, there is evidence that traineeships and apprenticeships can have a positive effect on employment outcomes and earnings. This paper provides an overview of the effectiveness of apprenticeships and traineeships for Indigenous young people in Australia. It looks at the data on participation rates, gender differences, occupation types, employment outcomes, and personal outcomes, and reviews the local and international research evidence on their impacts. The paper also discusses the gaps in the research and what is needed to support effective policy in this area.

ISSN: 2201-845X

ISBN: 978-1-74249-582-8

Cat. no: IHW125

Pages: 21

Findings from this report:

Apprentices and trainees have a much higher rate of employment compared with other students

Indigenous-specific training and employment programs show a positive effect on employment and education

Indigenous students are more likely to be participating in courses of study leading to lower level qualifications

Apprenticeships are commonly seen as a useful tool for ‘Closing the Gap’